The National Muslim Conference of Ghana (NMCG) has issued a strong statement calling for urgent action to combat the escalating crisis of illegal mining, commonly referred to as "galamsey," which is wreaking havoc on the country's environment and natural resources.
The NMCG's declaration comes amid growing concerns from various sectors of society regarding the detrimental effects of irresponsible mining practices on water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands.
In their statement, the NMCG highlighted alarming statistics, noting that illegal mining activities have led to severe pollution of rivers with toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.
This pollution has made it increasingly difficult for the Ghana Water Company to provide clean drinking water to millions of citizens. The organization emphasized that the current state of water bodies poses a significant threat to public health and the sanctity of life, urging the government to take immediate action.
The NMCG's call for a state of emergency includes several recommendations aimed at addressing the crisis. These include deploying security forces to halt illegal mining activities, implementing stringent regulations for mining companies, and introducing alternative livelihood programs for affected communities.
Additionally, they advocate for a freeze on small-scale mining licenses and a comprehensive review of existing permits to ensure responsible and economically beneficial practices.
The NMCG stands firm in its commitment to work alongside government and civil society to find sustainable solutions.
The full statement from the NMCG is posted below.
“The National Muslim Conference of Ghana (NMCG) joins the growing chorus of voices calling for immediate action to address the devastating impact of illegal mining, known as "galamsey," and irresponsible small-scale mining on Ghana's environment and natural resources.
We are deeply concerned about the alarming rate at which illegal/ irresponsible mining activities are destroying our water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands. The pollution of rivers and streams with harmful chemicals like mercury and cyanide, as well as the excessive sedimentation, has made it increasingly difficult for the Ghana Water Company to treat and supply clean water to millions of Ghanaians.
The NMCG believes that the time has come for the nation to take a step back and engage in a comprehensive discussion on the way forward towards responsible mining practices that prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development.
The concerns of the Muslim Community in Ghana emanate from our belief that the human body has to be in its highest form of Purity, Sanctity and good Health if the soul of the human being is to continue to dwell in it peacefully for the purpose of worship and submission to Allah. The present state of our Water bodies cannot guarantee the needed sanctity and healthy body of mankind.
We urge the government to:
1.Declare a state of emergency and deploy security forces to all affected areas to halt illegal mining activities immediately.
2.Implement stringent regulations and monitoring systems to ensure that mining companies adhere to environmental standards.
3.Introduce alternative livelihood programs that provide sustainable income opportunities for communities affected by the ban on illegal mining.
4.Invest in the rehabilitation and reclamation of degraded lands, including reforestation projects and the restoration of abandoned mining sites.
5.Intensify public education and awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the long-term effects of illegal mining on water resources, health, and the environment.
6.Put a freeze on the issuance and renewal of small-scale mining licenses, and review existing ones to ensure they are responsible and economically beneficial to the nation.
The NMCG is committed to working with the government, civil society, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to this crisis. We believe that by prioritizing environmental protection and sustainable development, Ghana can strike a balance between economic growth and the preservation of our natural heritage for present and future generations”.
Signed
INUSAH MOHAMMED BABA
GENERAL SECRETARY